Mays/Graystone Hotel

 

• In October 1909, T.I. “Tyne” Choate began construction of a new, modern three-story hotel at this spot, which would cost $50,000 to build. The Mays Hotel was “the finest between Nashville and Memphis on the N.C. & St.L. Railroad main line.”  It opened to the public with an evening open house in February 1911. Built as the Mays Hotel, it later became the Graystone Hotel.

 

• On March 28, 1931, the Dickson County Bar Association was organized by twelve attorneys who met in the Graystone.

 

• The Western Union Telegraph Office was installed in the Graystone Hotel in 1936, enabling telegrams to be sent and received twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

 

• In June 1946, Tommy Hodges opened Hodges Jewelers in a space that had been a barbershop.  Hodges later recalled, “I started with three showcases, money enough for five watches.” Working alone until his marriage to Mary Frances “Poochie” Orgain in 1948, Hodges gradually expanded his jewelry shop until 1970 when he purchased the building and hotel business. 

 

• The hotel continued operation until 1974, when it was closed and the third floor was removed. The remaining two-story building had 20 rooms upstairs, which were converted to storage for the jewelry store.